Why This Decision Matters More Than Most Medical Choices
Choosing a GP for a cold is a low-stakes decision — if you are not impressed, you switch next time. Choosing a dentist for cosmetic or restorative work is different. Dental work is largely irreversible. Enamel that is removed for veneers does not grow back. A tooth that is extracted is gone. Poorly executed dental work can require expensive correction — sometimes more expensive than doing it right the first time. This is not a category where you want to optimise for the lowest quote.
Non-Negotiables: PMDC Registration and a BDS Degree
In Pakistan, the regulatory requirement for practicing dentistry is a BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) degree from a PMDC-recognised institution, followed by registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). This is not optional — it is the law.
The uncomfortable reality is that a significant number of people operating as "dentists" in urban Pakistan — including in DHA — are dental technicians or diploma holders without a BDS. They may be skilled at certain procedures (scaling, for example), but they are not legally qualified to diagnose dental conditions, administer local anaesthesia, or perform treatment. If something goes wrong, you have no legal recourse and they have no malpractice insurance.
You can verify any dentist's registration directly at pmdc.org.pk. It takes less than two minutes. Always do it before your first appointment.
For Cosmetic Dentistry: Post-Graduate Training Matters
A BDS is a general dental qualification. Cosmetic dentistry — veneers, smile design, aesthetic bonding — is not a regulated specialty in Pakistan, which means any BDS holder can legally offer these services. The difference between a good and a poor cosmetic result often comes down to post-graduate training, hands-on coursework, and volume of cases performed.
Look for: an MDS (post-graduate dental degree), diplomas or certifications in aesthetic dentistry from recognised bodies, and evidence of continuing education. Equally important: a real, verifiable before/after portfolio from the dentist's own cases — not stock images or manufacturer's promotional photos. Ask to see actual patient photos from procedures they personally performed.
Questions to Ask at a First Appointment
- "Are you PMDC registered? Can I see your registration number?"
- "What material and brand will you use for this procedure?"
- "Can I see examples of veneers / crowns / whitening you have done personally?"
- "Will you provide a written treatment plan and itemised quote before we start anything?"
- "What is your process if I am unhappy with the result?"
A confident, competent dentist will answer all of these without hesitation. Vagueness or defensiveness in response to reasonable questions is itself useful information.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Pressure to book the same day: Good cosmetic dentistry requires planning. A dentist who pushes you to commit to an irreversible procedure in a single visit is not putting your interests first.
- No written treatment plan or quote: Non-negotiable for any multi-step or cosmetic treatment. Verbal agreements in dental work are a recipe for disputes.
- Unusually low prices with no explanation: Low prices are not inherently a red flag — they can reflect lower overheads, lower-cost materials, or promotional pricing. But if a price is dramatically below the market rate and the dentist cannot explain why, the explanation is usually the lab or the material.
- Refusing to explain material choices: You are entitled to know whether your crown is E.max, zirconia, or PFM — and why. A dentist who cannot or will not explain this is not treating you as a partner in your care.
About HOA's Dental Team
At House of Aesthetics, Dr. Faiza Imtiaz leads the dental team — she holds a BDS with Gold Medal, MDS, and MFDS (RCS Edinburgh), the Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, Edinburgh. Dr. Sumbal Sahar holds certifications in aesthetic dentistry from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Dr. Nameera Qureshi is certified in restorative dentistry. All three are PMDC registered and will share their registration numbers on request.
A Note on Location
Patients in DHA Phase 6, Phase 5, and Cantt area no longer need to travel to Gulberg or the older commercial areas of Lahore for quality cosmetic dentistry. House of Aesthetics is located behind Dolmen Mall DHA, easily accessible from all DHA phases and the Cantt area. Convenient parking, walk-in assessments available, and all modern equipment on-site.
Learn more about our dental services, meet the team, or book your first appointment — we offer a free initial consultation for new patients considering cosmetic treatment.